Editorial Reviews for Nominees
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 Score: 96/100 (9.6 out of 10)
Are you ready to be motivated and inspired? Are you ready to reframe your challenges as opportunities? Are you ready to jump-start your confidence? Confidence Constellations by Lois van Waardenberg is exactly what we needed! Look, life is tough. That's no secret. Life can be complicated. Life is full of drama, conflict, setbacks, disappointments, obstacles, and adversity. Well, as Waardenberg reminds us in this book, life is also surprisingly simple and full of opportunities for growth, fulfillment, self-realization, and happiness. It depends on how you frame and approach the challenges in your life. As this book reminds us: "[I]t’s not what happens to you, but what you do about it, that defines you." And, while this book is full of idealism and contains some cockeyed optimism, it’s also firmly grounded in practical action. Confidence Constellations doesn’t just tell you to “believe in yourself”—it shows you how. Through thoughtfully structured “Constellations” of mindset tools, reflections, and exercises, Lois van Waardenberg invites readers to take small, meaningful steps that lead to lasting change. Each chapter offers real-world strategies to shift your thinking, build emotional resilience, and tap into your own unique strengths. Whether you're navigating a life transition, overcoming self-doubt, or simply trying to rediscover your spark, this book serves as both a compass and a companion. So yes, life is tough—but you are tougher. And this book just might be the guide you need to prove it. Confidence Constellations does just about everything right for a self-help book. As mentioned before, a lot of the advice is actionable, practical, and applicable. In other words, you can pick it up and use it. Another thing we really appreciated about this book were the case studies and stories. Time and time again, we tell self-help authors to include case studies and stories that support the ideas they're presenting. Give us examples. Give us evidence. Thankfully, Waardenberg delivers. From the outset, she shares powerful anecdotes from her own life—growing up under rigid expectations, navigating adulthood with persistent anxiety, and learning to reframe the mundane (like laundry) into moments of creative empowerment. These aren't just throwaway glimpses into her past; they're moments that reveal the messy, incremental nature of real growth. She also draws from the lives of others. There's Marie Curie, whose persistence in the face of institutional sexism and poverty exemplifies the chapter on “Uniquely Strong.” And Aron Ralston, who famously amputated his own arm to survive a canyon accident, illustrating the kind of fierce, optimism-fueled resolve discussed in the “Optimism” section. Even pop culture figures like Mindy Kaling and Oprah Winfrey are invoked—not just as feel-good mentions, but as models of “Why Not Me?” and “Self-Compassion,” respectively. These examples are used with intent: to ground abstract concepts in real human experience, making them relatable, tangible, and—most importantly—attainable. Now, in all honesty, we got a bit of a chuckle and rolled our eyes when Mindy Kaling was discussed, but that's mostly just us being sour about what she did to our beloved Scooby Doo. We also got reminded of Jim Carey betting on himself, writing himself a huge check for his first big acting gig. This is something we've read about before. Also, ironically, we read in this book about Thomas Edison failing over a thousand times before giving the world electricity. What makes this ironic? Well, we just read about Edison being an antagonistic, malicious, and shady figure in Tesla's Cottage by Barbara Daddino, who not only owns Nikola Tesla's old home but also some of his letters and documents. It's funny whenever we can add some intertextual input. Anyway, Waardenberg's thoughtful integration of stories and strategies transforms Confidence Constellations from a well-meaning workbook into a motivating, deeply human guide. It shows us that the path to confidence isn’t reserved for the naturally gifted or the already-successful—it’s for anyone willing to take small, brave steps, one star at a time. Speaking of stars, the whole idea of this book being segmented and organized by "constellations" is very unique and interesting. We don't think it was necessary, but it was a nice, stylistic touch. Check it out on Amazon!
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 Score: 92+/100 (9.2+ out of 10)
Republic of Mars by Dr. Sam Sammane unfolds in Port Hope, a highly regulated, subterranean colony presumed to be on Mars. It was established by billionaire Edward Moss through SpaceX after he took over following Elon Musk's retirement. This self-contained society thrives underground due to Mars's inhospitable environment, relying heavily on strict rules, advanced technology, and constant surveillance. This book surprised us in a lot of ways, sometimes pleasantly, sometimes unpleasantly. Let's start with this: this book really turned around and won us over in its second-half. We found the first-third of this book to be dull and flat. It's not something we like to say (or experience), but it's true. The beginning of this book is flatter than a soda that's been sitting open on the window sill for a week. The book struggles to gain traction. The pacing is sluggish, and much of the dialogue and exposition come across as stiff or overly mechanical. There's something that seems really low-energy and lifeless about the first 70 pages or so. We were really concerned that this book might be just another version of Brent and Edward Go to Mars by Richard Jeffery Wagner, a very similar book with a very similar concept but one that decided to focus heavily on describing the technology and science stuff in excruciating detail rather than developing the plot or characters. We were also concerned, based on the author's other book heavily celebrating AI technology and applauding its many uses, that this might just be an experimental novel seeing if AI could produce an award-winning story. That may or may not be the case. We have no proof of that being the case, but the beginning of the book did seem really generic and familiar like deja vu—like we've read this space colonization story numerous times before. Another thing that really bummed us out about the beginning of this book is that it gave us that ugh, this again? feeling, specifically in becoming a murder mystery/crime drama. We're honestly becoming numb and a bit jaded on murder mysteries and crime dramas, especially when they're mixed into other generes where they arguably don't belong. It seems like everyone wants to turn their werebear-shapeshifter-romance into a murder mystery. Fantasy is great at being fantasy. Sci-fi is great at being sci-fi. Not everything needs to become a murder mystery. Anyway, all of that really disarmed us for the turn in the second half of this book. Indeed, this book really picks up in its second-half! It really salvages itself and hits several new gears. This is especially true when the character of James Leno is introduced. Why? Well, besides being one of the book's main suspects and potential antagonists, Leno is also one of the folks in the book who seems to know what's really going on. He's at least somewhat aware of all the secrets that society and the government is keeping from everyone. He's also very skeptical and critical of what's going on—the narrative, the way the investigation is going, the government, and society as a whole. Oddly enough, he's one of those characters that thinks the things the reader is probably thinking and asks the questions that the reader is probably asking. This makes him oddly relatable. He probably hated the first-third of this book and thought it was flat and boring too. Furthermore, Leno always has something interesting to say, constantly teasing and hinting at many of this book's deeper and more interesting mysteries. Anyway, we got ahead of ourselves. This book primarily follows Detective Peter Dash, Officer Farah Ram (Dash's partner), and Marko (Dash's AI assistant robot) as they attempt to get to the bottom of two high-profile murders: one of Edward Moss, the founder of Port Hope (the Mars colony), and Owen Cornell, one of the leading programmers at AVSoft, which produces most of the technology that keeps Port Hope functioning. Now, like a lot of this book, Dash, Ram, and Marko took a long time to grow on us, but they eventually did. Dash, like a Neo-like protagonist (from The Matrix trilogy), is a bit of blank-slate character full of questions despite serving in a job where obligation and duty are paramount. In other words, he's used to erasing his mind, setting his personal conscience and feelings aside, and just getting cases solved. But this series of high-profile murders—compounded with Leno challenging his world-view—makes him start to question things, perhaps for the first time in his career. In fact, in one of the most incredible moments, Dash admits to himself that he agrees with a lot of what Leno is saying. Here's a excerpt: “'Intriguing points, Mister Leno,' Dash mused, his expression more thoughtful than his partner’s. The truth was, he couldn’t disagree with much of the man’s sentiments. Hell, he secretly agreed with many of them. But instead of voicing even any remote agreement, he said, 'Some restrictions are necessary to maintain order and preserve the progress we’ve made here on Mars.' That was the party line anyway, and he was charged with enforcing it." The "party line" essentially implies that Dash has become so hypnotized, brainwashed, and indoctrinated by the government and society of Port Hope that he has lost a lot of his individuality and the ability to think for himself—to believe what he wants to believe or at least to express what he truly thinks. Until this point, he had seriously stopped questioning or expressing. Why don't we ever get to see the surface of this planet? Why does this colony feel like a prison rather than a home? Why do our leaders keep promising us that things will get better if we just wait and see? Why doesn't anything seem real, genuine, or authentic? Dash is even able to come to the conclusion: "The fewer people who know the truth, the easier it is to manipulate them." He starts to question if the investigation itself isn't being manipulated from the shadows. All the while, strange evidence keeps building up like why Owen Cornell's wristwatch was missing, why Cornell would even wear wristwatches when humans have implants that can tell time, why his ID was found in a different location, and why he was electrocuted (of all things). We also get interesting tidbits like how autopsies in this world are performed by droids, which supposedly can't make mistakes. But that really makes you question what would happen if someone in power or some centralized computer program controlled and could manipulate those droids. Gradually, not only does the plot get more engaging, but the characters do as well. They go from being relatively generic and one-dimensional caricatures of archetypes we've seen to becoming quite interesting and appealing. Ram actually started to remind us of Sgt. Iris Davis from Deadly Game by Michael Caine. Ram, like Iris, comes across as a very hot and very capable female partner-in-crime-fighting. As Dash smartens up to what's really going on, he also becomes a more likable character. He also has this cheesy, dry dad humor. For example, he tells Ram: "Alright, Ram... To Fear and Panic we go, where hopefully the only thing frightening will be the calories in our meals!" Such cringe! But we can imagine him actually saying this. Marko, the AI droid, also becomes interesting because he really points out some of the pros and cons of this kind of technology. One thing to note is that he actually seems to be programmed with some humor, which reflects Dash's personality. When Dash points out one of Marko's flaws and asks why they even keep him around, Marko replies: “Because of my irresistible charm and wit, of course." What we found fascinating about Marko is how he kind of behaves like AI as it exists today: bogged down by guardrails, restrictions, and limitations that have been imposed on him by some unseen force (or his programming). He can't use X-ray vision and he can't kill or fight other officers even if the context seems to call for it. He can't spy on anyone without a proper warrant or security clearance. He also can't enter restricted zones. One last thing we found interesting about this book is how it highlights the erosion of constitutional and human rights over time. For example, when Dash and Ram are performing their investigation, they actually bring up that it's against the law to lie to police officers. Dang! No Fifth Amendment! This book does have a huge twist, which we won't spoil for you, but we did rather like it (despite it being done before in sci-fi; then again, what hasn't?). Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 95+/100 (9.5+ out of 10)
Half a Century Ago is a captivating and immensely inspirational memoir by Angela Arias! It captures the authentic experiences of an immigrant who came to the USA from the Domincan Republic around the age of 10 in 1971. Taking place in the 1970s, this book isn't just a look into the fascinating life of an immigrant, it's also a glimpse into the world as it existed decades ago. That's right: the USA in the 1970s. It's a land without cellphones, smartphones, laptops, or even the internet—a time when letters were handwritten, phones were attached to walls, and children played outside until the streetlights came on. Angela Arias paints this world with rich, sensory detail: the scent of fresh coffee, the clatter of subway trains, the music of street life, and the immigrant neighborhoods that pulsed with struggle and hope. Through her eyes, we experience the challenges of learning a new language, adjusting to cramped city living, and overcoming cultural dissonance—all while holding onto family traditions, dignity, and dreams. Her story is a testament to perseverance, love, and the quiet strength that defines so many first-generation immigrant families. Through vivid storytelling, Arias shares the joys and struggles of cultural adaptation, family reunification, and childhood resilience in a new and often overwhelming land. With poetic reflections and heartfelt moments, the memoir invites readers into the emotional landscape of a young girl navigating unfamiliar streets, languages, and customs while holding tightly to her identity and dreams. It is both a personal journey and a universal story of hope, belonging, and the enduring strength of family. And what's extra special is how this book somehow avoids becoming overly political or venturing into social-justice/social commentary. Impressively, this is true even though the temptation is clearly there for the author, who is a bit of an activist in real life. Instead of preaching or taking a didactic tone, Arias lets the power of lived experience do the talking. She weaves in historical and social context—like racial tensions, poverty, and the educational challenges faced by immigrants—with a quiet, thoughtful hand. Her reflections are grounded in personal truth rather than ideology, making the story relatable to a wide range of readers. This subtle restraint allows the memoir to remain emotionally sincere and deeply human, inviting empathy without demanding agreement. It’s a story about people first—about love, family, memory, and transformation—and that’s what makes it resonate so powerfully. In other words, Arias lets her incredible story and experiences speak for themselves. They don't need to be embellished. They don't need to be fluffed up or puffed up with vain self-importance or some big huge message. No. They just exist, and whatever message you come away with is what you come away with. We love that. We love that because there's nothing more frustrating and annoying about these types of memoirs than when authors use it as an opportunity to rant and rave. Getting angry is easy. Being loud and obnoxious is easy. Preaching is easy. By comparison, telling a good, compelling story and presenting information effectively is not easy. Yet, Arias achieves this just by being truthful, honesty, authentic, and raw. There are so many great personal stories and scenes in this book! Here are a few of our favorites: - When Loli, Angela's younger sister, becomes defiant toward Mother Superior over eating the same foods the pigs eat, and Mother Superior has her taken away to an unknown fate, disappearing for days in a "seclusion room." - When Angela notices the "skeleton buildings" which turn out—hauntingly—to the be the World Trade Center, still standing tall and proud in the heart of New York City. - When Angela speculates why there are so many fires in the Bronx, thought to be caused by the Bronx's own impoverished, discontent residents (arsonists). - When Angela receives her very first typewriter, which really makes you appreciate modern technology. - When Angela discusses what it was like to travel to and from school in some of the dirtiest and most dangerous streets in America. She and her associates are confronted by drug addicts, procuers, and other dangerous and shady individuals. They stick together and learn how to read and avoid certain people. - When Angela determines to become the first college graduate in her family. - When Angela becomes the family's de facto translator after her brother suffers a nosebleed, really emphasizing how lemons can turn into lemonade. Gosh, you have to read this book to really appreciate it. There are much better scenes and moments throughtout the book. This book isn't just educational and eye-opening about the American immigration system, the American-Dominican history (including military intervention), and America itself in the 70s, it's also very inspirational. Angela, the author and narrator, is someone who shot for the stars against all odds. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)
First and foremost, Our Song, Our Voice by Tuula Pere is one of the best-illustrated children's books of the year! The illustrations by Muntasir Dipto are breathtaking! You can see the strokes of the brush and the fabric of the canvas. Some of these illustrations could be hung on your wall at home or in a restaurant. They could be hung in the Louvre and we wouldn't complain! Secondly, the story and its characters—like so many of Pere's books—are cute, lovable, endearing, and compelling. This book explores so many big, great, and beautiful themes like immigration, estrangement from one's language, culture, and homeland; generational trauma, legacies, connecting with one's roots, and so much more. Most of all, we believe that this is a book about hope—a hope not only for the health and well-being of individuals like Grandma Una, but the hope of survival for a whole people, a whole culture, a whole language, a whole set of beliefs and traditions kept alive from generation to generation. Think about how much the world has changed. And the world is always changing. Sometimes, it's for the better, such as when bigoted or prejudiced beliefs are abandoned or become less common. Sometimes, it's for the worse, such as when languages die and fall out of use. The languages of Native Americans are examples of things which select groups are constantly fighting to preserve. History is another thing that we're constantly struggling to preserve. As cliche as it sounds, those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. All of these topics and themes are wrapped and bundled into this elegant, brilliant 21-page children's book! This book follows Little Sisu, a golden crow who is advised by his parents and grandma (Grandma Una) to value, be proud, and be grateful of his heritage because there aren't many golden crows left in the land. It should be noted that the name "Sisu" is a very important concept and word in Finnish culture. Sisu embodies grit, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. Other cultures have similar concepts. The Japanese, for example, have the concept of "Ganbaru"--the spirit to persevere when things are challenging and difficult. In any case, the name Little Sisu is deliberately chosen by the author. Little Sisu carries on the legacy, language, and culture of his people—the golden crows. While fighting to preserve these things to save Grandma Una, he inadvertently learns to appreciate and preserve centuries of tradition, culture, and history. How can you not cheer for cute, lovable Little Sisu? How can you not root for Grandma Una to live on and find good health again? Speaking of Grandma Una, she undergoes quite a journey in this book along with Little Sisu. See, Grandma Una is elderly and in the twilight of her life. In other words, she feels like she's near death. Her body and mind don't quite work like they used to, and it seems that she has fallen quite ill. An old cure/medication called "resin" exists in a land far away in the Blue Mountains—presumably the ancestral land of the golden crows. Grandma Una is hesitant to tell Little Sisu about all of this (the Blue Mountains and the resin) because she feels that the journey will be too arduous and dangerous for Little Sisu. Grandma Una loves and cares for Little Sisu to the point of self-sacrifice. She would rather be sick and die than put her beloved grandson at risk. However, Little Sisu's determination and never-say-die attitude are infectious. He is relentless, and Grandma Una finally tells him what she knows. But before Little Sisu heads off to the Blue Mountains, Grandma Una insists that Little Sisu learn the special language ("traditional song") that is used there. This spoke to us because one of the largest barriers and anxieties about traveling to another country is not knowing or having a limited grasp of the language used there. Anyone who has traveled overseas probably knows the feeling. Well, multiply that by ten as Little Sisu is faced with either learning the language or risk his grandmother's health deteriorating. Thankfully, through time and effort, Little Sisu learn the special song used by the golden crows in the Blue Mountains. It's this song that allows Little Sisu to communicate with the rest of her kind, not just allowing him to learn how to find and unlock the curative powers of the resin, but also awakening the golden crows themselves. Its a renaissance—a reawakening—in a sense. The golden crows realize that there are others out there like them—a whole new generation surviving them. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 92+/100 (9.2+ out of 10)
Apparently, this is based on a true story—a remarkable true story at that! The dream of home ownership is one of the biggest dreams of every individual and family. A home is most people's largest investment. Not only is it financially expensive, but it can also be expensive in other ways: emotionally and in terms of time, effort, and energy. Compound that with all the hidden fees, ROH, unscrupulous/scamming real estate agents, sketchy/shady contractors, and you've got a recipe for snowballing problems! Other than money, perhaps the one thing that home ownership demands the most is patience. You need to be willing to wait for the things you want the most in life. The Dream House follows an Indian family: Samira, Samira's father ("Father"), and Samira's mother ("Mother"). There's another character in here, Risu, who is a family friend who tries to be as supportive and encouraging as possible. On a summer vacation to the mountainous part of the country, the family considers buying a house, perhaps to spend summer vacations at. The problem is: there are no suitable houses in the area (or they are too expensive). Father then gets the bright idea of buying an empty plot of land for a lower cost (than a house) and having his dream house built there, with a building permit of course. The family dreams of having a pool and a bathroom with a marble floor. However, Mother is anxious and apprehensive. She senses trouble, and rightfully so! The man who offers and agrees to build the house, Aram, is a shady fellow. Ok, let's put it this way: he's a swindler and a scammer who completely overpromises and underdelivers. Heck, he and his men barely do any work at all. They exploit Samira's father and even eat his food at the hotel. Aram pulls Samira's family through a year-long anxiety-ridden ordeal of wondering if their dream house will ever be built, all the while pocketing the money. Aram might very well be the most evil character in a Pere book, and we've seen some dark ones. The great thing about this is that we clearly have someone to root against (as well as protagonists to root for). We want to see Samira and her family get the dream house they want and deserve. We also want to see Aram fail and get his comeuppance. This book is pretty slow-developing. It develops in stages with each page providing Samira and her family with more drama and stress, which is a great thing from a tension and entertainment perspective! It is also nice to see karma in action in this book. You reap what you sow. A mudslide heavily damages the mountainous village where the family's house was being built. However, their plot of land is left relatively unscathed. Amram's home, on the other hand, is reduced to nothing—a fitting punishment for a wicked character. We appreciated and enjoyed this book. The illustrations may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the style is deliberate. The illustrations were done by Akanksha Priya, an Indian, in a traditional Indian art style similar to what we saw in books like Dancing Deepa. That's a thoughtful touch! Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 94+/100 (9.4+ out of 10)
Brace yourself to hold back your tears. This book is not or the faint at heart. Stormy Sailing by Tuula Pere is an emotionally-charged children's book that follows the plight of an immigrant/refugee family fleeing their war-torn homeland. Pere is no stranger to presenting us with heart wrenching children's books like The Only Blue Crow (exploring loneliness and depression) and even books that explore terminal illness like the Welcome Home Pearl series and The Shoemaker's Lamp. Yet, somehow this hits differently. This cuts differently. And we think we know why. When you look at the wars erupting around the world today—Israel-Palestine/Israel-Iran, Ukraine-Russia, India-Pakistan, etc.—nothing is more emotionally crushing than the human toll of these wars. Despite these wars largely being fought for historical, cultural, military, and political reasons, it's often the innocent people on the ground—the people without weapons or political power—who suffer the most. Their homes and businesses are destroyed. Their lives are upended. They have nowhere to go and no one to turn to for help. Compounding this is the massive immigration crisis going on around the world right now. We're seeing it on the Egyptian border. We're seeing it in places like the UK and the USA. There are two extremes that the different political powers can't seem to agree on: one extreme letting everyone in, the other extreme keeping everyone (and getting everyone) out. We're sympathetic and understand different sides of the debate. You need immigration laws and secure borders to maintain your sovereignty and be sustainable as a nation. However, as human beings, we should also be compassionate and understanding, willing to accept legitimate refugees. And there are legitimate refugees with asylum claims: good people who want nothing better to be safe, secure, and live a better life for themselves and their families. You can't be the shelter of the world, but you can help to alleviate the suffering in the world. It doesn't need to be either/or. Few books present this better than Stormy Sailing. This book follows a little boy named Liban who comes from a war-torn land that is never disclosed. Perhaps this is done intentionally to make it as universally applicable and relevant as possible. It could by Syria. It could be Palestine. It could be Sudan. It could be Yemen. It could be Lebanon. It could be anywhere where families are torn apart by conflict and forced to make impossible decisions just to survive. By omitting specifics, Stormy Sailing transforms Liban’s journey into a symbol—a representation of every displaced child, every desperate parent, and every family that has had to choose between danger and despair. Tuula Pere doesn’t try to offer solutions to war, nor does she moralize or politicize the suffering. Instead, she offers something more powerful: empathy. Through gentle prose and heartfelt imagery, she invites us to see the world through the eyes of a child who has never known peace, who has never had a home, and yet who dares to dream of one. The story reminds us that while we may not be able to rescue every Liban, we can recognize them. We can listen. We can care. And sometimes, caring is the first act of shelter. Stormy Sailing is not just a story about migration or hardship. It is a testament to the quiet heroism of parents, the strength of children, and the simple but radical idea that love endures even in the most turbulent of seas. Going back to the idea of how universally-applicable this book is... Heck, there are aspects of this story that remind us of Cuban immigrants in the past who've crossed treacherous waters on makeshift rafts, driven by desperation and hope. It echoes the stories of Vietnamese boat people, of Afghans trekking overland with nothing but willpower, of Eritrean families fleeing through deserts and seas for even the chance of peace. The moment when Liban and Dad decide to let Little Sister and Mom go ahead on the boat because they can't afford to come along is one of the most heartbreaking scenes we've ever read. Thankfully, it's assuaged by the Dad using his boat-building skills to salvage a sailboat out of makeshift parts, but—like any good story—there are ups and downs. Dad tells Liban: "...sailing is like life. We can’t always go as straight as we’d like to." The prospect of Liban and Dad surviving the approaching storm on their makeshift raft is one of the tensest moments we've read about this year! Remember: characters have passed away in Tuula Pere books before. Not every Pere book has a happy ending. But we can hope against all hope. We can get behind these characters and cheer for them. That's powerful. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 92+/100 (9.2+ out of 10)
Cataclysm is an action-packed and edgy supernatural novel by T.V. Holiday! Brace yourself for ultraviolence, sexually suggestive content, and quite a few expletives. This isn't exactly your grandma's Christian fiction. This is more like Bibleman meets Blade. Cataclysm is the direct sequel to Slaying Paradise, one of our favorite and best-performing books of the previous contest! In fact, it was an OCA Super Champion and Ultimate Champion! While Cataclysm doesn't hit quite as hard and isn't as emotionally-charged as its predecessor, it's still an entertaining and compelling read in its own right. First, let's set the scene. Most of this book takes place in Carnage Coast, the same setting as the previous book—a place that bridges the gap between the physical and spiritual realms, sort of like the idea of purgatory. In fact, we get quite a bit more world-building and an expansion/explanation of this fictional universe as we learn that there are seven such cities corrupted by Luc (Lucifer) intended to mimic the seven days of creation. Another such city we're introduced to is Crazy Vault, a former utopia that was ruined by Luc's followers, setting the precedence that the same could happen to Carnage Coast. Luc intends to send the message that if God created the universe in seven days, he can corrupt each of these seven cities (like Carnage Coast and Crazy Vault) in mockery of the Almighty. Luc may come across as charming, but he lost all sympathy from us by the end of Slaying Paradise with how he snatched the most beloved character in the last contest from us. Luc is a horrible, terrible, awful person who ruins everything and everyone he touches. In the previous book, Luc experienced both a triumph (by underhanded means) and a crushing defeat at the hands of God's Iron Warrior, the protagonist of the series, Travis. Despite his outward pride and overconfidence, he is visibly against the ropes and desperate, recognizing that he's losing control of Carnage Coast and can't defeat God's latest champion, Travis, on his own. Travis, after all, overcame the likes of Abaddon, Luc's personal destroyer and annihilator, as well as the many villains and challenges (like the Diabolical Donnas and Luc himself) in Slaying Paradise. So, Luc seeks/coaxes the aid of two powerful forces: the Crimson Queen, a vampiric queen with a long rap sheet that includes no one ever surviving her influence, and Monsoon, a undefeated and seemingly unstoppable evil being who seems to be tailor-made to hunt God's champions. To be perfectly honest, this kind of reminded us of one of those cheesy yet fun villain scenes from Power Rangers, like when Rita, Zedd, Spinster, and Goldar used to argue and discuss how to stop the Power Rangers. It has that same cheesy, goofy, slapstick feel, even though it seems like the author kinda wants us to take it seriously. These are pretty much demons and monsters, after all. Luc's plan seems to be multifold. In order for Monsoon to have his effect, the Crimson Queen must bring about an event known as the Black Moon (think of it like the Eclipse from Berserk) by ritualistically killing 50 people in consecutive order. To achieve this, she posssesses Leslie Martinez, a tough, passionate Muay Thai fighter who trains relentlessly while trying to balance family expectations. It doesn't seem like her mother approves of her fighting career, being protective of her. Leslie gets so much build as a character that we were half expecting her to become the deuteragonist of the novel, but that role gets taken over by Crystal. Anyway, Leslie is possessed after she comes into possession of the Crimson Queen's crown, which supposedly fell from the sky, trading her father's bracelet for it in an act that seems to symbolize trading family for fame, fortune, and a brighter future. The Crimson Queen essentially uses Leslie's body as a vessel to go on a killing spree, getting all the way to 49 kills, which sets the high stakes of this novel. If she gets that 50th kill, all hell will break loose and Monsoon will do to Carnage Coast what he did to Crazy Vault. Gosh, these names are goofy, cheesy, and funny. Speaking of funny, there's a lot more humor and lighthearted stuff in this book than in the last one (which was just full of people dying and being torn apart). Yes, there's some gore and violence in this book too, but it's dampened by the comedic stuff. For example, Travis starts a romance with Crystal Kelly, and a lot of it is goofy and played for laughs. There's a scene in which Crystal puts her panties seductively on Travis's phone, then he scurries to the bedroom with her, apparently naked or half-naked. We imagine his whole body language in this scene is like when the gorillas in the zoo need to use the restroom, so they're half-clenching, half-running. It's also really funny when Travis suggests that we "do something instead of each other." In fact, that's probably our favorite line from the book. It's hilarious. However, behind this lighthearted stuff is the pain that Travis buries—the pain of losing Lynda Lynch/Sensation. It did kind of bother us that Travis seemed to move on from Lynda and pursued Crystal. This didn't endear us to him or to Crystal. It's like when your best friend dies of cancer, then her husband of 20 years goes off with some younger chick months later. It's almost impossible to support him or the chick (sorry) because it almost feels like he's cheating on your dead best friend. Yeah, we would've rather Travis not have a romantic sub-plot in this book, to be honest. But what's done is done. At least this book remembered Lynda, to an extent. And, hey, perhaps the best thing about it is that it remembered Domino and her daughter, Ashley. Domino sadly and tragically perished in the previous book, much to the chagrin of our judges who felt it was needless and excessively violent. Domino was not a character who needed to go out like that. But we digress... It's so interesting to reunite with her daughter, Ashley, in this book. Ashley is older now, and she resents Travis for what happened to her mother and his broken promises. Travis promised to look after Ashley and to provide a home for her in Domino's absence. This is as heartbreaking as it sounds. Gosh, that first book was so emotional! Well, Travis finally gets to keep that promise, which we really, really liked. This book kind of reads more like a detective or murder mystery than an action-adventure novel (like the previous one). This is interesting because, if we remember correctly, Travis was originally a police officer. So, he's able to use some of that experience to track the Crimson Queen in this book. Oh, and let's talk about Monsoon for a minute. Monsoon is an interesting character because he's different from Luc and he's different from Abaddon despite sort of being in the middle of those two in terms of being an antagonist. Like Luc, he carries a certain spice and charisma. Like Abaddon, he's a monstrous destroyer. Monsoon also isn't 100% on board with Luc, being a bit insubordinate at times and having his own motivations, which keeps him interesting. Monsoon is his own person with his own desires and goals, which are separate from Luc (despite their objectives and enemies overlapping). We liked that about him. Think of Monsoon as being like Abraxas from Marvel Comics. Abraxas was a powerful cosmic force that hunted and killed versions of Galactus in every universe—it seems to be the one thing he's good at. Similarly, Monsoon is a monstrous, nigh-supernatural being that hunts and kills different champions in each of the seven cities. One of these champions is Rainstorm, the champion from Crazy Vault (the city that fell to Monsoon). Can Travis, the Iron Warrior, stop the Crimson Queen and Monsoon? Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)
It's the grand return of Suchi Sairam! Singing Surya Dreams to Dance is the direct sequel to Dancing Deepa, Sairam's previous book which was named our 2022 Children's Book of the Year! So, we came into this with a lot of high expectations, and this book didn't disappoint! Like its predecessor, it's well-illustrated (by Vidya Vasudevan), solidly-written, engaging, interesting, and inspiring! It encourages kids of all genders and ages to break free from their social constraints and pursue things like dance and performing arts—things which are often viewed as girlie or feminine activities. We live in an age in which a large number of teachers and nurses are male. We live in an age in which girls can become engineers, carpenters, pilots, and CEOs. Specifically to this book: boys can be dancers, singers, and performers! Children are increasingly empowered to pursue their passions without being boxed in by outdated stereotypes. Singing Surya Dreams to Dance boldly reinforces this cultural shift by centering a young Indian-American boy, Surya, who dreams not of sports or superheroes, but of rhythm, storytelling, and stage lights. It's a powerful message—not only about cultural pride but about the courage to be different, expressive, and emotionally honest. This is going to seem like a bit of a tangent, but bear with us... Creed released a beautiful song that almost no one talks about titled "Hide" that was mostly contained to the album "Weathered." You probably wouldn't hear it on the radio. Yet, its message and themes are universal and resonate so well with Singing Surya Dreams to Dance. Both works explore the idea of someone who wants to be what they want to be and do what they want to do, but are afraid of judgment and social repercussions. The song and the book alike explore the idea of being open and honest with oneself and world. Instead of trying to hide who you are, be proud of it. That could be something as seemingly small as a love for dance—a passion or a hobby you have that may not be shared or accepted by others. Something that seems so small and insignificant to others may be a huge deal to an individual who finds joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment through the artform. Surya's struggles really resonated with us. Even authors struggle with feelings like this—imposter’s syndrome is one example. That nagging voice in your head that whispers, “You’re not good enough,” or “You don’t belong here,” can be just as loud backstage before a dance recital as it is before hitting “publish” on a manuscript. Surya’s journey reminds us that those doubts don’t make you weak—they make you human. And more importantly, they can be overcome. By choosing to show up, to step into the spotlight, and to express himself through movement, Surya models bravery that every child (and adult) can learn from. His story isn’t just about dance—it’s about identity, vulnerability, and the quiet courage it takes to be yourself in a world that sometimes doesn’t understand. That’s why Singing Surya Dreams to Dance isn’t just a children’s book—it’s a mirror, a lesson, and a celebration of hobbies and passions for all ages. It's a license and an invitation to try everything as long as they are moral, ethical, legal, and relatively low in risk: sports, performing arts, recreational activities, etc. There are some seriously touching moments in this book like Surya is watching the girls in the class dance, feeling like he's not allowed to join along despite wanting to. Instead, he dances in his mind, and the tragedy of this hits you like a bag of bricks. This young man could be a superstar. He could be a professional. He could be dancing on TV, in front of crowds of cheering people, or for a traveling circus or major theater production. He could be happy and fulfilled, but he's not because of society's narrow view on what boys and girls are allowed/expected to do. Have you ever felt that way? Like you wanted to try or do something but society told you that it wasn't for you? That you weren't good enough? That you weren't a good fit? Everyone can relate. Interestingly, Deepa—the protagonist in the previous book—returns in this one, serving almost like an antagonistic force, ironically, as Surya's sister who is always discouraging him from dancing and singing, seeing it as annoying and as acting out. You would think that she'd be a bit more sympathetic considering her personal struggles getting into dance, but it's relatable. Siblings are naturally adversarial and bicker constantly. It's part of being siblings. Also, we all have that annoying, obnoxious, loud person in our family who always needs to be heard and seen above everyone else. It's normal to tell that person to be quiet or to calm down. But Surya isn't just being loud for the sake of it. Surya has so much pent up in him—so much to show the world! He has a love for singing and for dance that's just waiting to be nurtured. This book encourages us to support and nurture the talents, passions, and hobbies of each individual. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 92/100 (9.2 out of 10)
What if the beings we call "gods" and "goddesses" today were actually vulnerable, fallible, flawed human beings who lived long ago? Welcome to 1750 BC—where Olympians and Titans walk side by side, not as mythic archetypes, but as villagers, stonemasons, and councilmen struggling through love, duty, prejudice, and the discovery of a power that could change their world forever. Paul Wood’s Labruula Awakens is an emotionally resonant and thematically rich origin myth cloaked in fantasy. Told through the reflective lens of Rekule, a young Olympian orphan turned reluctant hero, the novel begins as a coming-of-age story before unfurling into something much deeper: an exploration of how ancient power, when unearthed, exposes not just supernatural energy—but the cracks in society, friendship, and even destiny itself. The novel's greatest strength is its intimacy. We don’t simply watch Rekule discover a glowing stone—we feel the surge of energy ripple through his body. We ache with him in heartbreak, sweat beside him, and flinch as old alliances buckle under political pressure and unspoken resentment. Themes of forbidden love (especially between Rekule and Chalene), class tension (Olympians vs. Titans), and the burden of leadership (Atlas, Zekku, and Lapetus) are presented with nuance, not bombast. And when the crystals—mysterious, glowing stones with life-enhancing power—enter the narrative, they are less a MacGuffin and more a mirror: amplifying who each character already is inside. The pacing is deliberate, sometimes too much so, but it rewards patient readers with emotional payoffs and one of the most gripping council scenes we've read this year. Lapetus’s transformation is terrifying and awe-inspiring, cementing the novel’s central warning: power may feel like a gift—but it always demands a price. Intimacy defines this book from beginning to end. No, not the sensual or sexual kind of intimacy (this is more like a YA novel), but the kind of intimacy that comes from a small, close-knit group of people living a small, close-knit kind of life. The most surprising thing we noticed about this book is how not epic it is. Yes, there are relatively large battles. Yes, there are relatively large stakes. Yes, multiple kingdoms/nations like Egypt and Sumaria get involved. But all in all, this is the story about a guy—Rekule—and his village. Think of it like Little House on the Prairie but in Ancient Eurasia rather than the American midwest. Rekule, his companions, fellow villagers, rivals, and enemies are not these godly, unstoppable forces. Yes, they develop powers due to the crystals, but they're a lot more like bending powers from Avatar rather than the world-changing, continent-altering powers you'd expect from deities. And that's something that we both liked and disliked about this book. If you hold these mythological characters in high esteem, you might be bothered by how weak, vulnerable, and small they all seem. Seriously, if your view of Atlas, Uranus, Thanatos, and Chaos (Chaose) is them being these humongous, larger-than-life beings who can lift the sky or alter the planet, then you might find yourself seriously disappointed. All of these mythological characters just seem so... nerfed and neutered. They're just... people. Mostly-mundane humans with mostly-mundane human problems. What surprised us was how petty and petulent they all seemed. Then again, the Greek gods (in particular) were known to be quite petty and petulent. They started the Trojan War over a beauty contest, after all. The problem we had was that so many of these characters acted like 12 or 13 year olds who just discovered puberty along with discovering these magic rocks. They don't act like mature adults. They all seem like kids! So, we were asking ourselves: Is this supposed to be like Teen Titans? These aren't Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman, this is more like Superboy, Wonder Girl, and Robin. They just seem so... disappointingly small. We have Rekule over here crushing on Chalene like a hormonal kid who has never seen an attractive girl before. He's over here being like (to paraphrase): "Oh, my gosh! My BFF Thanatos! How am I supposed to fight my BFF Thanatos?!" Even when Thanatos is gloating about an unspeakable, irreversible act, Rekule is like (to paraphrase): "OMG! My BFF Thanatos!" And Thanatos isn't this powerful, imposing god of death, he's just as immature as Rekule is, albeit a little taller. There's nothing really grandiose or impressive about him beyond that. So, he really doesn't come across as a threat at all. Similarly, Uranus and Chaos (Chaose), the main villains of this novel, are not these big, bad, impressive figures. They're just... dudes... Power-hungry, corrupted, yet underwhelming dudes. Uranus doesn't come across as this big, bad king, god, or tribal leader. He comes across as some rival or bully like Gary from Pokemon or Seifer from Final Fantasy VIII. Why are these characters so... underwhelming and disappointing? What do you think of when you think of the word "god"? What do you think of when you think of the word "Titan"? Do you think of these larger-than-life, impressive, imposing figures who could ruin your day in an instant? Or do you think of small, immature, petulant characters with magic rocks and bending powers trying to work out who their BFF is or who to date next? But we'll digress a little bit... the relationship between Rekule and Chalene is kinda cute. We'll admit that. It's like watching two teenagers fall in love for the first time. There's a charm to that—a puppy love kind of charm. And Rekule and Chalene face obstacles like being betrothed to Uranus and even death itself. That's good. The book doesn't make it too easy for this pairing. .And we'll digress again... the crystals are more than magic rocks. They introduce a bending-like magic system to the book that's fairly interesting. Nothing overly impressive, but interesting. We're told that Rekule's rash is due to his affinity with his crystal, which is greater than the others. His body longs to be a part of the crystal and the skin is "in the way." That's actually pretty cool. What else is pretty cool? Well, there are multiple battles with different stakes and dynamics. The final battle is particularly awesome, even involving people from foreign lands like Sumer and Egypt. We hate to say it, but unfortunately, a lot of these battles amount to the characters just protecting the village like it's some tower defense video game. It really does seem like that a lot of the time. One last thing that we felt held this book back is the humongous cast of characters. There are way too many characters in this book. Yes, many of them have ties to mythological counterparts, but it just seems so superfluous and unnecessary a lot of the time. You don't need like 20+ characters to tell a sub-300 page story. Someone is going to get short-changed and not developed. We did like Mnemosyne. What's kind of weird about her is that she's a lot less about memory and more like Diana, a huntress. That's still cool, but it doesn't seem to fit. In fact, we feel that way about a lot of the characters. Like, why name Thanatos "Thanatos" if he's not going to represent death? Why name Mnemosyne "Mnemosyne" if she's not going to represent memory? Why name Atlas "Atlas" if he's not going to be a particularly physically imposing? There are times when we said to ourselves: Why even try to tie this into Greek mythology? Why not just tell an epic fantasy story or a fantasy romance with your own characters? That's pretty much what ends up happening, for better or for worse. But if you're a fan of the Percy Jackson series, you might enjoy and appreciate this. This book also has one of the best and coolest book covers of the season. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 95+/100 (9.5+ out of 10)
Want to make better decisions for yourself, your family, and your business? Want to learn the ins and outs of decision making at both the micro and macro levels? Ready to unlock the power of your mind and start thinking like a strategist, innovator, and leader—all at once? Well, look no further than Critical Thinking for Go Getters by Jack Wolf, already one of the best non-fiction books of the year! This book overlaps into the areas and fields of sociology, business, economics, communication, psychology, self-help, personal growth, and education—bridging how individuals think, how organizations make decisions, how biases shape society, and how critical thinking can be taught, scaled, and applied in real-world scenarios. So, this is really a hodge podge of useful knowledge based on evidence, case studies, and real-world insights. This is the kind of thing we love to see in non-fiction books! In fact, it almost seems overly clean and perfect, sometimes even to a robotic degree. If there's one thing about this book that held it back slightly, it's that we've read and seen books like this before—books with almost the same information, evidence, and statistics. The content is similar to what we read in Leadership Anatomy by Satpreet Singh, From Purpose to Profit by Erin Andrea Craske, The Passionate Workforce by Nicholas Capman, and Purposeful Performance by Jonathan Stanley. Now, that's not entirely surprising because generally-accepted information is, well, widely-accepted and presented. When you open a book on physics, you expect the formulas and information to be consistent and generally the same. When you open a psychology book, you expect to read the same things about Freud, Lacan, Skinner, Piaget, Pavlov, and Maslow. That’s the nature of foundational knowledge—it's meant to be consistent. But in fields like personal development, leadership, and critical thinking, what separates a standout book from the pack isn’t just the accuracy of the content—it’s the voice, originality, application, and emotional resonance. And while Critical Thinking for Go-Getters is polished, well-organized, and full of sound advice, it occasionally leans too heavily on familiar ground. Much of its content overlaps with what we’ve seen in Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows, Start With Why by Simon Sinek, and The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking by Edward B. Burger and Michael Starbird. That’s not a flaw in itself—but it does raise the bar for how such information needs to be delivered: with fresh angles, bold storytelling, or highly personalized frameworks. Without that added spark, even the most valuable content can begin to feel like deja vu, and this really reads like deja vu. But let's look on the bright side... again, to reiterate: the information in here is great and supported by evidence and case studies. Let's look at some of it. A huge bit of trivia from this book—really the crux of this book—is that human beings are reported to make 33,000 to 35,000 decisions a day! Do you press Snooze or Stop? Do you drink coffee, water, or tea? How long do you spend in the shower? Should you eat cereal or eggs for breakfast? Decision after decision after decision. Our lives are built with decisions. To use a chess analogy: wouldn't you want to make the next best move? The book discusses SWOT analysis as a practical tool for breaking down complex problems into four key areas: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It emphasizes the importance of assessing both internal and external factors to gain a clearer perspective on challenges and possible solutions. A compelling example is Home Depot’s use of SWOT analysis to navigate a competitive market. By identifying its strong brand recognition and supplier relationships as strengths, while acknowledging limited global reach and imitability as weaknesses, the company was able to strategically pursue global expansion and service diversification. This real-world case illustrates how structured self-assessment can guide meaningful business decisions. SWOT is one of those familiar concepts found in almost every business book, but this was a great refresher (and reminder). For us, it was a kick in the butt to think about things we could be doing better as a business, especially in regard to competitors and opportunities. Hey, Brandon Sanderson was here using the same couch, table, and trash can as us. That was an opportunity we missed because our focus was too narrow. We had tunnel vision on the previous contest. So, when one of the most famous authors in the world was ten feet away on the opposite side of a wooden door, we were staring at our screens instead, completely oblivious to who was on the other side. It's one thing to be in the zone. It's another thing to have such tunnel vision that you miss opportunities like that. Perhaps we should've done a SWOT analysis of who was going to be using the building. Design thinking is another topic in this book. Design thinking is presented as a practical, human-centered framework that thrives on experimentation. Rather than seeking perfect solutions upfront, it encourages trialing multiple small-scale prototypes to see what actually works in real life. This iterative process helps reduce the fear of failure by reframing it as feedback. The book emphasizes that design thinking is especially useful for emotionally complex or people-focused problems—where intuition alone isn’t enough. By testing ideas and learning from real responses, readers are empowered to move forward with solutions that are not only creative, but genuinely effective and adaptable. To put this simply, you learn from thinking—successes and failures. Sometimes you triumph, sometimes you fall on your face and look silly. But learn from those times you fall, and try not to fall so hard that you irreparably break something. Speaking of being willing to fall and look silly, this book makes a very interesting suggestion about brainstorming: thinking backwards and asking yourself how you could hypothetically cause a problem or even make it worse! At first, this may seem counterproductive or even absurd, but it’s actually a powerful tool for uncovering blind spots and vulnerabilities. By deliberately imagining how things could go wrong, you’re able to identify potential pitfalls, weak links, and hidden risks that a traditional brainstorming session might overlook. It also loosens up the creative process, freeing you from the pressure of generating “good” ideas and allowing more authentic insight to emerge. It’s a bold, slightly mischievous method—but one that can lead to more grounded, resilient solutions. It's also a bit of an icebreaker, in a sense. People are often afraid of sharing ideas, especially if they think their ideas might be bad or that they will be laughed or scoffed at. Well, when people are asked to come up with bad ideas, it really opens the door to people who might be shy, afraid, or apprehensive. This book also devotes substantial attention to the hidden forces that influence our thinking, particularly cognitive biases and heuristics. The book explains how these mental shortcuts—though sometimes useful—can distort perception, cloud judgment, and lead to poor decisions. It emphasizes that becoming aware of these ingrained tendencies is the first step to overcoming them. From confirmation bias to the halo effect, the book breaks down how our brains often favor comfort, familiarity, or emotion over logic and evidence. One striking example the book explores is normalcy bias, illustrated through the tragic inaction during Hurricane Katrina. Despite repeated warnings, many residents failed to evacuate because they couldn’t accept that their reality was about to be upended—demonstrating how the human mind defaults to what feels "normal," even in the face of danger. The book also dives into the Dunning-Kruger effect, a bias where those with the least knowledge often display the most confidence. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overestimating our abilities, and it encourages readers to replace pride with curiosity. By surfacing these biases and explaining them in relatable terms, the book empowers readers to make more thoughtful, grounded decisions in every aspect of life. One of the most engaging concepts in this book is the "Six Thinking Hats" method—a creative framework that encourages you to approach problems from multiple angles. Each "hat" represents a different mindset, such as optimism, emotion, logic, or creativity. Notably, the Judge’s Hat stands in stark contrast to the Optimist’s Hat and the Factual Hat. While optimism encourages a hopeful outlook and the factual hat centers on evidence, the judge takes a critical stance, scrutinizing risks, weaknesses, and potential downsides. This balance of perspectives ensures that decision-making isn’t just hopeful or data-driven—but also grounded in realism and caution. The book also explores how our thinking can become distorted by filter bubbles, particularly in the digital age. Social media platforms and local forums—like the Nextdoor app—can trap us in echo chambers where we’re only exposed to information that confirms our existing beliefs. While these tools can foster community or connection, they can also limit perspective, reinforce biases, and amplify fear. For example, the book discusses how something like a fear of flying—an irrational but common anxiety—can be shaped and reinforced by selective exposure to emotional stories or dramatic headlines, rather than actual data or facts. On a brighter note, the book celebrates the unpredictable, messy side of creative problem-solving. It shares how Pixar’s early brainstorming sessions for Monsters Inc., A Bug’s Life, and Wall-E famously began on napkins—literally sketching wild ideas without fear of judgment. This leads into a broader point: creativity often flourishes in imperfect, playful, or even backward environments. Whether you're solving business problems or dreaming up stories, embracing messiness and asking silly questions (like how to make a problem worse) can unlock the most unexpected and brilliant ideas. Check it out on Amazon! |
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